St. Catharines photographer Eunice Tang wants to help support students from low-income families this June by setting up a spring family photoshoot at Jaycee Park in St. Catharines.

The charity shoot will allow anybody who wants spring family photos to have some taken for an optional donation, with all funds going to support Education Foundation of Niagara’s Make Change for Children campaign.

Tang, owner of Euncice Tang Photography, said the goal is not just to raise money, but to provide an opportunity that might actually help low-income families too, since school photos can also be costly.

“I wanted to just offer something to those families, so they can have nice family photos and possibly save a few dollars,” Tang said.

The event will also feature flowers provided by VonMar Floral Boutique and gourmet food by The Go Go Food Co., as well as games, crafts and entertainment.

Family friendly props are welcome for the photoshoot, or families are welcome to use VonMar flowers or Tang's own props.

Tang said she was inspired to create the event after seeing a post on the DSBN’s website that encourages Niagara residents to arrange their own fundraisers to help support students.

Now, she said, she plans to hold the event annually in different parks across Niagara.

She said making sure children are able to participate with the rest of their class is a "big deal" to her.

“I don’t want to see anybody go without, so if there’s something I can offer, I want to help in whatever ways I can,” Tang said.

The campaign also helps ensure students are equipped with things like backpacks and indoor and outdoor shoes.

“It’s hard to fathom that some children in Niagara come to school on empty stomachs, poorly clothed or without needed medication. It’s difficult to believe that some students do not have the $35 needed to attend educational field trips with their classmates,” said Nicole Smith, event and volunteer coordinator with Education Foundation of Niagara.

“When students face such hardship, they face barriers to learning … together we can be the change in students’ lives.”

During the event, non-perishable food donations will also be collected for Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold.

“Each and every day Community Care sees the need experienced by families to make ends meet. This initiative is a wonderful way to give back and ensure all children enjoy the things so many of us take for granted,” said Betty-Lou Souter, chief executive officer of Community Care.